HMV called in Deloitte as administrators on Tuesday, putting at risk more than 4,000 jobs across the UK and kicking off a dire week for the retail industry that has also seen DVD rental group Blockbuster collapse.

However, Deloitte says it has received expressions of interest in HMV from a “broad range” of parties, including trade buyers, private equity groups, distressed funds and wealthy individuals.

One of the interested parties is understood to be video games retailer Game, which is targeting up to 50 shops to boost its high street presence.

However, Game is backed by OpCapita – which was criticised for allowing Comet to collapse – therefore any deal to buy HMV stores could be controversial.

Other parties thought to be exploring a bid for HMV or parts of the business are Hilco, the turnaround group that owns HMV's Canadian arm, and Jon Moulton’s Better Capital.

Nick Edwards, joint administrator for Deloitte, said it is “too early” to say whether a deal can be struck to rescue HMV, but that the amount of interest represents “good numbers”.

Potential bidders are now signing non-disclosure agreements with Deloitte and the administrators plan to hold talks over the weekend.

Despite the prospects of HMV being rescued, Deloitte has no plans to start honouring gift vouchers. The decision to reject vouchers has provoked a backlash from consumers.

Meanwhile, a MP has contacted the HMV administrators to ask it to ensure that all money made on a charity single in aid of the Hillsborough families is paid to them.

Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram said HMV was “first class” in the way it promoted the single but he has contacted Deloitte to ensure that the £150,000 raised by HMV is paid to the charity fund as soon as possible.

Mr Rotheram added: “It is the second full day of the administration and we are working through hundreds of enquiries. However, we understand why people feel very passionately about the Justice Collective single and have discussed this matter with people involved in the campaign. We are looking into it as a priority and hope to provide an update very soon.”

Staff at two HMV stores in Ireland are also staging sit-in protests after claiming the company owes them wages. HMV has 16 stores in Ireland and 223 in the UK.